'I wore this western-inspired gingham dress in Arizona and it got me so many compliments'

As a chronic overpacker, this year I’m trying to be more intentional about the things I take when I go on holiday. Picking pieces that are versatile enough to wear anywhere from the beach, to an activity to dinner are essential, as well as materials that are comfortable and breathable to tackle the heat.

Which is why when I spotted this , I knew it was going to be a must-bring for my recent trip to Arizona. The A-line cut and gingham print give it a slight western-inpsired feel, whilst the timeless silhouette and mini length means I could wear it both during the day and at night.

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As well as being visually a great pick, the , £52, is also the perfect material for hotter climates. It’s made from 53% linen and 47% cotton which means it's ultra-breathable and lightweight, and is fully lined with 100% cotton which wicks away sweat and moisture.

I decided to wear the dress on the hottest day of my trip – which was a scorching 36 degrees – and wore it for a bike ride, walk around some botanical gardens and to brunch. And whilst I was definitely sweaty (riding a bike in almost 40 degrees will do that to you) the dress actually and I didn’t feel sweaty for long at all.

It was also a great length, as it was long enough to be able to wear cycling shorts underneath for added comfort whilst on the bike, whilst still being a to wear out and about. One of my favourite additions to the dress, though, was the fact it had two side pockets which were big enough to keep my phone and a handy lip balm in.

The only downside was that because of the high linen content it did wrinkle quite a bit whilst wearing it. It actually survived my very full suitcase with barely a crease in sight, but after wearing it for a few hours I was left with some creasing across my lap that didn’t drop out until it was given a steam (and a wash).

However, the was also my most-complimented item that I wore during the whole five day trip, with people even saying they were going to go out and buy themselves one. Although my red gingham version is selling super quickly, you can also pick it up in all black, pale blue, and a green and white polka dot print – and I’ll definitely be adding one in every colour to my wardrobe!

You can pick it up in sizes XXS to XXL, as well as choosing from three different lengths; petite, regular and tall. I’m 5ft 4” and typically a size 14 and picked it up in large with a regular length and it was the perfect fit.

If you prefer a strapless design, Hollister’s is £39.95 and has a shirred bodice with a puff skirt and comes in a range of colours and prints. It also comes with fully detachable straps, built in shorts and pockets, making it the perfect holiday pick.

For cooler climes, New Look’s has a similar silhouette to my Abercrombie dress, but features long sleeves. It’s also currently on sale down from £27.99 to £20.99. It’s also available in red, blue and black gingham prints, with sizes 6 to 22 available.